London Irish latest news: Squad named for trip to Northampton Saints

London Irish Director of Rugby Declan Kidney has confirmed the squad that will make their way to the cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens to take on Northampton Saints in Round 3 of the Gallagher Premiership on Saturday, 2 October.

Kick-off is at 14:00 local time (15:00 SA time).

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Will Goodrick-Clarke, Agustin Creevy and Ollie Hoskins are selected in the front row, with Rob Simmons and Adam Coleman in the second row.

Matt Rogerson captains the side from blindside flanker and is joined in the back row by Ben Donnell and Albert Tuisue.

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Nick Phipps returns from injury to start in the No 9 jersey and links up with Paddy Jackson in the halfbacks.

In the centres, Benhard Janse van Rensburg and Curtis Rona form the 12 and 13 partnership.

Ben Loader is set for his first outing of the season as he returns from injury and joins Ollie Hassell-Collins and Tom Parton in the back three.

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“Northampton Saints have started the season well and are a dangerous outfit, so we know it will be a challenge tomorrow,” said Kidney.

“We have had some good fixtures in Northampton and it’s always an exciting ground to play at, especially with the supporters back.

“Last week, Northampton won their game with a late penalty kick, and it wasn’t to be for us with ours. It shows how competitive this league can be, so we are excited for another challenge.”

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The Exiles lost their opening match of the season 36-24 against Worcester and drew their second clash 31-all against Sale.

They are currently in ninth-place in the 13-team Gallagher Premiership standings.

Northampton Saints, meanwhile, have won both of their opening matches and lie third in the log.

LONDON IRISH

15 Tom Parton, 14 Ben Loader, 13 Curtis Rona, 12 Benhard Janse van Rensburg, 11 Ollie Hassell-Collins, 10 Paddy Jackson, 9 Nick Phipps, 1 Will Goodrick-Clarke, 2 Agustin Creevy, 3 Ollie Hoskins, 4 Rob Simmons, 5 Adam Coleman, 6 Matt Rogerson (captain), 7 Ben Donnell, 8 Albert Tuisue

Substitutes: 16 Matt Cornish, 17 Allan Dell, 18 Marcel van der Merwe, 19 George Nott, 20 Steve Mafi, 21 Sean O’Brien, 22 Ben White, 23 Matt Williams